PARENTS have received an urgent warning from Martin Lewis’ newsletter but they must act fast to avoid missing out.
The Money Saving Expert has issued a reminder to apply for free school meals amidst the looming deadline which could see families lose their child’s existing funding.
Even parents who have applied before need to take note as they too could be affected.
Included in the latest MoneySavingExpert’s Money Tips email, the newsletter has reminded anyone on a low-income to check if they are eligible to apply for free school meals as soon as they can.
Despite some children being eligible automatically, one of the key stipulations for the saving hack has been described.
Parents have to re-apply every year and it is worth doing so as your child’s school could receive additional funding under the Pupil Premium.
All state school children from reception to year two automatically qualify for their school meals, easing the pressure for some.
Whilst all London-based children attending state-funded education are also enrolled until they are 11-years-old.
There are different rules for those based in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so parents have been advised to check out the list of rules for themselves.
Those worried that their children do not fit this criteria could fit the benefits-based scheme which can be available for children until they are 18 if they attend an eligible education establishment.
Parents need to be claiming at least one of the following to be enrol their children on this basis:
For some parents, they are only eligible after making their first payment.
Whilst there are a few others who could be entitled even if they have not been listed above so it is worth checking the MoneySavingExpert’s handy calculator.
PARENTS who meet the various criteria for their child to receive free school meals may be wondering how to go about claiming the Government funded food.
The first key detail parents need to remember is that they must re-apply every year or they run the risk of missing out.
This needs to be done before the start of the September school year and there are different methods depending on where you are based in the UK.
The basic principle for parents is that they need to head to their local council’s website to sign up or they can use the free Government checker to get started.
Source: MoneySavingExpert
It comes after 471,000 eligible children in England were revealed to not have received their free school meals back in May.
Government analysis of Policy in Practice data revealed the number one reason for this.
Parents who had not applied were missing out on an average of £490 a year in support.
